Evaluation and Zonation of Collapsible Soils in Semnan

Collapsible soil has a semi-stable, non-compacted, and relatively porous structure. These types of soils become damaged and experience noticeable deformation or sudden settlement due to increased moisture or excessive loading. This type of soils is categorized as problematic soils that, if they are placed under structures or inside the earth structures, can cause many problems in terms of stability and operation and cause financial and life losses. This paper attempted to evaluate and zone the collapsible soils in Semnan city. The studied points were examined using field experiments and also by consolidation test. Investigation of being problematic and the collapsibility of the collapsible points have been performed using the “Jennings and Knight” and “ASTM D5333” criteria. Collecting geotechnical data from 141 locations in Semnan city, 24 points with collapsibility potential were identified. The novel result of present study is an effective step to reduce the risks related to construction on the sites having collapsibility potential in the Semnan.